Oral Health Flashcards
Teething Symptoms
- pain
- mild increase in temp
- irritability
- increased drooling
- loss of appetite
- restlessness
Teething can be stressful and frustrating for parents to identify and ma
Teething non- pharmacological treatments
first line treatments
- chilled teething rings - should be silicone, avoid liquid filled rings: made of 1 solid piece, should not be frozen
- sugar free teething rusks
- gently rubbing/massaging gums with a cold spoon/ wet gauze
- chilled fruits and veg
- reassure and comfort
- AVOID teething necklaces or beads:
Teething Pharmacological treatments
- teething gels- not endorsed due to risk of lignocaine toxicity/ lack of evidence of efficiency and the potential for harm
- oral analgesics
When teething treatment is appropriate
- are we sure this is due to teething
- signs of tooth eruption visible
- non-pharmacological interventions are not adequate
- other causative factors ruled out
- no contradiction in medical history
- no interactions with other medications
- patient is aware of safety concerns
Teething Gels
often contain choline salicylate or sodium salicylate which are anti-inflammatory agents
lignocaine aka lidocaine: local anaesthetic eg) in SM33 gel
Not appropriate: SM33, seda lotion etc
will the gel have sufficient contact time? swallowed easily, accurate do
Teething gel risks
Risks may outweigh benefits
- salicylates in under 12s: Reye’s syndrome
- swelling in the brain and liver that can be fatal when salicylates are given when the child is experiencing a viral infection
- risk of salicylate intoxication with repeated use
Bonjela
choline salicylate
- not for babies younger than 4 months, still use caution for older than
Lignocaine risks
potential seizures/ cardiac effects
Homeopathic teething gels
no clinical evidence of efficiency/supporting their use
would not recommend due to potential risks, unless parent/carer is highl
paracetamol for teething
- analgesic and antipyretic
- appropriate when child is showing discomfort + measurable mild fever( above 37)
- refer if greater than 38 degrees
- for older than 3 months: for 1-3 months on advice from Dr
- when the weigh more than 5 kilograms
- 15mg x child’s weight every 4-6 hours up to 4 times daily
- do not exceed 1g per dose
- provide and locate dose
- use more concentrated products, therefore parents have to give a smaller volume
few precautions: avoid doubling up (on paracetemol products)
ibuprofen contraindications/risks
contraindications:
- children with bronchospasm, persistant asthma, varicella/chickenpox, known NSAID allergies
- children showing signs of dehydrations, diarrhea/vomiting: higher risk of renal damage
Rare, but can cause GI toxicity, monitor for GI symptoms
make sure to keep fluids up to prevent dehydration and renal damage
works by blocking cyclooxygenase enzymes from producing prostaglandins.
avoid cycling/using both: increases risk for dosing errors/ potential overdoses
Teething referral points
- generalised mouth pain that is not localised to eruption sites
- severe inflammation or bleeding
- signs of infection: pus or severe redness
- high fever, more than 38
- significant behavioural changes
- symptoms that seem excessive for normal teething
Teething analgesic options
ibuprofen or paracetemol, avoid cycling/using both: increases risk for dosing errors/ potential overdoses
do not suggest aspirin- especially if they have a recent/current viral illness
plaque
sticky colourless bacterial biofilm. - soft and easy to brush of in first few days
- if not removed within 3-4 days it turns into tartar, and needs to be removed by a dentist.
- bacteria generates acid from dietary carbohydrates that we consume
- demineralises tooth enamel
- can lead to dental caries (tooth decay) and gingivitis (gum inflammation), as it sits on the gums and irritates it.
It’s important to control plaque through brushing, interdental care and tongue cleaning, could potentially reduce CV disease risk
Neutraflour
description, conc, adv effects, contradictions
contains 5000ppm fluoride. first: confirm dental/medical practitioner has assessed clinical need and advised patient to use. We do not independently recommend this.
Adverse effects: fluorosis: white spots on teeth
check with referrer if the patient is under 13 years old, or if they are pregnant
use as part of a prevention plan: other fluoride products, dietary changes, improbing salivary flow, improving oral hygiene.
Neutraflour directions for use:
- apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to the head of a soft toothbrush
- brush teeth for at least 2 minutes
- spit out excess, don’t swallow and dont rinse the mouth
- avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes to increase contact time
- use for a specified duration: return to doctor/dentist every 3-6 months
Natural toothpastes
- aimed at children/ those with fears about fluoride + SLS
- probiotics
- calendula
- aloe vera
- lack long-term safety and efficacy date
Fluoride alternatives
name + efficiency
- hydroxyapatite (moo goo- mooth paste)
- 10-15% hydroxyapatite toothpastes have shown comparable efficacy to pastes/gels with 500-12,500 ppm F-
Effectiveness of fluoride + arginine
- reduced harmful S. mutans and P/ gingivalis
- helped good bacteria thrive
Mouthwashes appropriate usages
As an occassional adjunct to, not replacement for brushing and flossing. different purposes: preventing caries, freshness, dry mouth, to clean
fluoride purpose
strengthen enamel, prevent caries
essential oils purpose
and examples
antimicrobial, cooling + refreshing sensation eg) thymol, eucalyptol, methol and methyl salicylate
hydrogen peroxide purpose
bleaching agent+ antimicrobial
alcohol usage
up to 26%, antibacterial and dissolves essential oils